Tandem Cycling, Overcoming Obstacles!

Cycling is a passion that grows on us from an early age. Sometimes, health issues can prevent us from enjoying what we have been accustomed to, but there are alternatives.

Becoming blind is every person’s nightmare. This occurs to many people, including bicycle enthusiast, due to accidents or failing vision health. It is a long journey to recovery and acceptance of this condition.

The hard core cyclist, with the help of family and friends, will switch his ride for a tandem bicycle. It takes practice to get comfortable riding a tandem bike. The length and weight of a tandem bicycle make turning a bit of a challenge until you get used to it. A solo run or two builds up confidence and balance, especially when the passenger may have a disability.

With a tandem bike, cycling becomes a team effort. The blind person will develop trust with the lead rider and will take great pleasure experiencing the senses nature has to offer. Riding tandem will create a wonderful bonding experience simply due to the proximity of the riders. A tandem bicycle experience will also help the disable’s emotional and physical rehabilitation while enjoying the benefits of cycling.

It is a lot easier to carry a conversation while riding on a tandem cycle than when riding separate bicycles. The riders are always closer together, rather than having to catch up to each other every time dialogue is exchanged.

A big benefit to riding a tandem is allowing the stronger rider to get the hard pedaling done. The other person doesn’t need to push to the point of exhaustion to keep up. There is no need for the faster rider to stop and wait for the other to follow the choice of trails available.

The captain is the person who does the steering and shifting while the rider in the back is called the stoker. It is advisable to communicate before a rider stops pedaling because the cranks on a tandem bicycle are connected by a drive chain and fixed gears, so both riders have to peddle. There is no sitting back coasting for either rider, unless you equip your tandem bicycle with resting pegs. The stoker doesn’t have as clear a view of the road, so the captain should advise the stoker when approaching obstacles on the road that may cause a bumpy ride.

Tandems bicycles are sold in various styles, such as the road tandems, the cross tandems and mountain bike tandems. The frames and wheels are built stronger than a typical single bike because they carry the weight of two riders.

Tandem riding has made it possible for these cyclists to continue their passion. This is not limited to people with disabilities for sure. Friends can join in just to experience all the fun and adventure only tandem cycling has to offer.